Pre-op and Post-Op Hip Guidelines
Planning for your hip surgery prepares you for the operation and helps to ensure a smooth surgery and easier recovery. Here are certain pre-operative and post-operative guidelines which will help you prepare for hip surgery.
Pre-operative guidelines
When you and Dr. Fischer decide that surgery is the best option to overcome hip pain and restore movement, you will be briefed about the procedure and can start preparing yourself for the surgery.
- Prior to surgery, you should inform Dr. Fischer about all the medications you are taking, so that Dr. Fischer can decide if any medications can interfere with the procedure and ask you to stop using it. You will be asked to stop using aspirin, inflammatory and herbal medications before surgery as they can lead to bleeding.
- You will be asked to quit smoking prior to surgery.
- Dr. Fischer will explain all the possible risks and complications involved with the surgery.
- You may also be advised to consult your general physician to confirm on any other health conditions that may cause complications during surgery.
- Based on your medical history, ongoing medications and physical examination, the different options for anaesthesia will be explained to you.
- Dr. Fischer may also recommend a strengthening program, which includes exercises to improve your strength and flexibility prior to surgery to help you in your post-operative recovery.
- Dr. Fischer may recommend a joints teaching class if you are having your surgery at the hospital
Before you go for your surgery, it is recommended to plan for your return home.
- Remove loose rugs and anything that can obstruct your walking path and cause falls or accidents. If necessary, you can widen the walking path to accommodate your walker or crutches that you will be using during your recovery period.
- Place all items that you regularly use, such as remote controls and medications, in easy-to-reach places.
- Un-tuck your bedding so that it is easier to move in and out of bed. If your bedroom is located on the second story, it may help to relocate to the first floor temporarily until your strength and stamina improve.
- Arrange to have some assistance after your surgery for a few days.
- Prepare single serving meals so that they can be quickly heated and easily cleaned.
Post-operative guidelines
After your surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery room where your vitals will be monitored. Once you are in a stable condition, you will be transferred to the floor or same day surgery unit. After the nurse checks you in, the physical therapist will start your mobilization. You will be discharged depending on your progress with mobilization and pain control. Most patients go home the day after surgery. Motivated and otherwise healthy patients are eligible for a rapid recovery pathway that will allow them to discharge to home the day of surgery.
During the first few weeks at home, you should take care of your operated hip. You will likely not have formal hip precautions. Dr. Fischer recommends that you let pain be your guide and listen to the cues your body gives you as it heals. It is always helpful to use an assistive device while walking to restore your normal gait pattern. This will be a walker or crutches at first and graduate to a cane or trekking pole when you are ready. Dr. Fischer will recommend you continue post-operative exercises until your complete recovery. It is important to keep your follow-up appointments with Dr. Fischer and his Team.